Species

Juniperus chinensisChinese Juniper

25 other cultivars

shrub

Gin Fizz Juniper

Juniperus chinensis 'Gin Fizz'

The Story

Plant Bio

Chinese Junipers are tough, adaptable evergreen conifers that come in a vast range of sizes and shapes. They are valued for their tolerance of difficult growing conditions like drought, heat, and poor soil.

'Gin Fizz' is a female selection with a dense, upright pyramidal form. It is particularly noted for its prolific production of large, waxy, berry-like cones that are a beautiful blue-green color, providing excellent winter interest.

Uses & Benefits:

'Gin Fizz' provides strong, year-round architectural structure with its dense, pyramidal form and rich green foliage. Its most outstanding feature is the heavy crop of large, ornamental blue-green 'berries' that cover the plant in fall and winter.

Its upright habit and dense foliage make it an excellent choice for creating a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant privacy screen or windbreak that doesn't require shearing. It is also highly tolerant of urban pollution and salt spray.

The berry-like cones are a valuable winter food source for many bird species, most notably Cedar Waxwings and robins. The dense evergreen branches also provide important shelter and nesting sites for birds.

SpeciesJuniperus chinensisChinese Juniper

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

180 inches

Width

96 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to moderate

Lifespan

Very long-lived

Native To

China, Japan, Himalayas

Toxicity

Berries are mildly toxic if ingested in large quantities.

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site that receives full sun all day.
Plant in any well-drained soil; junipers hate wet feet.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
Set the plant at or slightly above its original soil level.
Backfill with native soil and water to settle.
Water regularly for the first year, then only during severe drought.

Pro Tip

Requires no pruning to maintain its naturally neat, pyramidal shape. Only prune to remove any dead or damaged branches.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full, direct sun for dense growth.
Ensure the soil has excellent drainage.
Allow it to grow into its natural pyramidal form.

Don't

Do not plant in shade or wet, boggy soil.
Avoid frequent overhead watering, which can encourage fungal diseases.
Do not shear it like a formal hedge, which can ruin its natural beauty.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Pest Check
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Evergreen screen or hedge for privacyVertical accent in a mixed borderDurable specimen for tough, sunny sites

Companion Plants

Berberis thunbergii Sedum spectabile Yucca filamentosa Panicum virgatum Spiraea japonica

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Gin Fizz Juniper questions

What zones can Gin Fizz Juniper grow in?

Gin Fizz Juniper is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Gin Fizz Juniper deer resistant?

Yes — Gin Fizz Juniper is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

Does Gin Fizz Juniper need full sun?

Gin Fizz Juniper does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Gin Fizz Juniper drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Gin Fizz Juniper handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.